“US VISA ALERT: NIGERIANS MUST DISCLOSE 5-YEAR SOCIAL MEDIA HISTORY”
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE US Embassy in Nigeria has issued a directive requiring all visa applicants to provide a comprehensive list of their social media usernames and handles used over the past five years. This new policy aims to strengthen security checks and enhance vetting procedures for potential security or immigration risks.
Key Details:
– Social Media Platforms: Applicants must disclose usernames and handles from various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and others listed in the visa application forms.
– Scope: The policy applies to both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, covering individuals seeking student, tourist, business, or work permits.
– Consequences of Omission: Failure to disclose social media information could lead to visa denial and potential ineligibility for future US visas.
– Effective Implementation: The US Department of State introduced this policy in 2019 as part of its global counter-terrorism and security strategy aimed at tightening entry requirements .
What This Means for Nigerian Applicants:
– Increased Scrutiny: Nigerian visa applicants will face increased scrutiny of their online presence, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean and respectful digital footprint.
– Compliance: Applicants must ensure they comply with the new requirements to avoid visa denial or future ineligibility.
– *Global Security*: The policy reflects a broader global trend where social media activity is increasingly scrutinized as part of immigration and security vetting processes
It warned that omission of such information could put future travel plans to the U.S. at risk.
It further noted that applicants are expected to certify the accuracy of their submissions before signing and submitting the form, adding that incomplete or misleading entries would not be overlooked.
“Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit. Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” it added.
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